Re: Self Assessment
LCol Gary T. Hook (ghook_at_vulcan.achq.dnd.ca)
Thu, 18 Feb 1999 17:25:57 -0600
The true challenge Mark. How do we teach people to recognize their own
shortcomings or levels of "unfitness"? I don't think there is any course
capable of doing this. Judgement 101 just doesn't exist.
What does exist though is all the material available on the factors that
affect human performance in a deleterious manner. Be it fatigue(the 25 hour
clock), the simple ones like the effects of alcohol, external pressures be
they perceived or real, etc. I believe we have to educate our aviation
professionals in these areas and always return to the basic message "Yes it
can happen to you". To reinforce that lesson there are a myriad of case
studies.
This form of education gives the aviator the foundation or source bank from
which to form their judgements. But to complete the process they have to
see it first hand, the old adage "leadership by example" Moreover they must
work in a corporate culture that recognizes the impact of human factors and
not punish the individual for acknowledging their limitations.
That is the perfect world from my little vantage point. Regrettably what I
see too often are poor leadership examples and cultures that "talk the talk"
but when it gets tough, they don't do "the walkin'!" Stick with a sound
educational foundation so everyone involved understands the limitations,
create a healthy climate and try to put the "it will never happen to me"
attitude on the endangered species list.
Gary Hook
LCol
Division Flight Safety Officer
Canadian Air Force